Army Salutes Top Drill Sergeants

April 21, 1990|By ESTHER MORGO Staff Writer

FORT MONROE — Under a slate gray sky, through the billowing white smoke of a cannon salute, 33 of the Army's top drill sergeants, gold buttons and black shoes gleaming, marched across Continental Park at Fort Monroe Friday for a ceremony honoring their excellence.

When they finished their march, two stepped forward. They were the best of all.

Staff Sgt. William G. Krewal of Fort Dix, N.J., was chosen as the Active Army Drill Sergeant of the Year after a week-long competition that included physical fitness and teaching tests, as well as an interview probing the extent of the candidates' military knowledge.

The runners-up were Staff Sgt. Lisa L. Rudolph of Fort Jackson, S.C., for the active-duty, and Sgt. 1st Class Karen A. Campbell of West Hartford, Conn.

"Thirty years from now, you'll be remembered in every detail by your trainees," Gen. John W. Foss, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, told all 33 sergeants.

"Drill sergeants shape new soldiers, shape their attitudes, their discipline and their ability to learn," Foss said.

At the ceremony, Krewal and Ashwood received the Meritorious Service Medal, awards from several organizations, a plaque, and gold watch.

They will be presented with special awards by Army Chief of Staff Carl E. Vuono in a ceremony at the Pentagon in May.

The stereotype of the screaming drill sergeant doesn't match the real job, Krewal said later.

"Drill sergeants now aren't that kind of hateful type. They aren't concerned with destroying a soldier's personality. They're more caring, and expert in the field."

Like Krewal and Ashwood, the 31 other competitors in the past week's competition had been selected as the cream of their Army commands before coming to Fort Monroe.

To gain highest honors in the competition, all completed a performance test, examining their teaching ability in areas such as firing positions for weapons, drilling and ceremonial movements, and firing an M-72, a light anti-tank weapon.

A panel of officers also quizzed them on military knowledge.

The sergeants also roared through a fitness test, consisting of push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run.

Krewal said he "maxed out all the events" without undue stress. But Ashwood was more circumspect, acknowledging that, at age 41, it is a challenge for him to make sure that he is in better trim than the 19- or 20-year-olds that he trains.

Both men said that without strong support from their families, they would not be successful.

When the men return to their posts, they will continue to work as advisers on initial entry training policy and reserve issues, and as liaisons between the commanding general and drill sergeants in the field.

There are about 3,500 drill sergeants on active duty in the Army, and 5,600 drill sergeants in the reserves. They are responsible for helping train 300,000 new recruits each year, the Army says.